It was a performance exemplifying Ryan Callahan's Ranger captaincy in all but one facet — his team lost.

Last night at the Garden, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Devils, Callahan was the best player on the ice just about every time his skates came over the boards. But he was only one man, and after a 5-3 loss, his team now stares elimination in the face for the third time in as many playoff series, down 3-2 in this Battle of the Hudson.

"We've just got to win one game," Callahan said. "We've been in this situation in the Ottawa series. We've just got to win one road game."